For Your Diary: what’s on in Hong Kong for November

Another month, another jam-packed For Your Diary! We’re never without things to do and places to go here in the ‘Kong, and as we gear up towards the festive season, there seems to be an event for everyone this month – so come check out our selection of Hong Kong’s cultural delights going on this November…

Fringing fun
Always on the hunt for more culture in the ‘Kong? Well, the second Hong Kong’s People’s Fringe Festival promises to be chock-a-block with every form of art – including over 52 groups, 70 events and 47 venues! An open-access, multi-arts festival that aims to promote local artists and fringe culture in various communities, this is our very own version of the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, right here in Hong Kong! Not only will you be able to discover new art spaces, but you’ll also experience a diverse range of amazing local art performances. Including raw physical dance in Tringer, post-modern drama with HK Girl Uninterrupted, international dance and music with Noru Ka Soru Ka plus plenty more, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Start filling up that diary!

When: 1 November-1 December; see the full schedule hereWhere: Various locations all around Hong Kong; see full list of venues hereHow much: Free-$200 (most performances being around the $100 mark); check here for specific shows, times and prices

Literary lovin’The Hong Kong International Literary Festival is back for its 13th year, and the 10-day event is guaranteed to deliver some fascinating workshops, performances, talks and interviews – perfect for all the bookworms out there! You’ll get the chance to meet some famous authors such as Jung Chang, Kyung-sook Shin and Guo Xiao-Lu (just to name a few!); this festival also caters to all book-lovers’ interests, as events are categorised into different themes such as ‘Scandi-Noir’, ‘Excite’, ‘City Life’ and ‘Word and Stage’. Don’t miss this if you’re passionate about literature… or just love a good read!

When: 1-10 November, full calendar and events programme hereWhere: At various venues, including The Fringe Club, Hong Kong Arts Centre, The Helena May and City University of Hong Kong; see more info hereHow much: $60-$300, available via www.urbtix.hk; for more information, click here

A Wagner marathon!
If you can’t get enough of the classical melodies of Wagner, then you’ll be pleased to know that in honour of his epic Ring Cycle(an incredible 18-hour four night marathon!), Lorin Maazel will conduct the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in a mini cycle of this work that includes all the highlights. Don’t miss the touching performance of Siegfried Idyll, a beautiful piece that Richard Wagner wrote for his beloved wife Cosima. This intimate performance, performed as it was intended on a staircase in a foyer, will be a unique event that honours Wagner’s true intentions… even if you’re not a classical music fan, this will move you in some way!

Laughing at life
Get ready for a barrel of laughs with Tom Rhodes comedy show! You’re sure to get the giggles from this witty, intellectual comedian who has travelled the world (and even has his own travel show!). With four performances at four different venues in Hong Kong to kick off his China tour, there are plenty of options to listen to Rhode’s dark and yet cynically optimistic take on the realities of life.

Race in style!
One of Hong Kong’s oldest races is sure to get even us girls excited for the races! Ladies Purse Day at Sha Tin Racecourse is a day of racing fun and fashion, so get your Ascot-style hats out and you could be in with a chance to win at the races in more ways than one – as the finest hats and dresses will receive a free Dazzling Horse Brooch! Cute! Don’t forget to look out for Miss World’s Zhang Zi-Lin at the catwalk fashion show, plus get a makeover at the Sasa make-up workshop… ooh la la, a true girlie day out at the races!

I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell…
For the first time since 1995 (!), Matchbox Twenty will be performing live in Hong Kong! If you’re a fan of these American pop-rockers, you won’t want to miss this rare live performance in our fair city, so get ready to sing along to favourites like Unwell and How Far We’ve Come – and make sure you listen to their newest album North, so you can sing along to the new tunes too! With five Grammy nominations and a cool 30 million records sold worldwide, this promises to be a night of great music.

Let it go and enjoy the show…
If you haven’t heard of talented Australian singer-songwriter Lenka, then you should have a listen to her new album, Shadows… and if you like it, then you’re in luck as she’s coming to the ‘Kong for her SHADOWS Asia Tour. The 90-minute gig will feature a song list voted for by fans (have your say here – if you can read Chinese!), plus a few of Lenka’s own special treats too.

The Droogs are coming…
Anthony Burgess’ dynamic literary masterpiece A Clockwork Orange comes alive at the theatre this month! This all-male theatre production portrays the chilling underworld of Manchester, where Alex and his Droogs roam, and will have you on the edge of your seat. Packed full of energy, this thought-provoking piece is definitely not one to miss (but be warned, there will be explicit and violent content!)

Majestic drums
If you fancy a night of exciting and different entertainment, check out the awesome Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Arts Troupe all the way from Taiwan! This talented bunch are guaranteed to deliver an exhilarating performance fusing Taiwanese folk culture, myths, drum entertainment and ritual icons. These amazing percussion drummers have made an international name for themselves with their passionate, high-energy performance so get ready to feel the rhythm!

Culture vulturesThe White Cube has got another exciting exhibition starting up this November that will last throughout the festive season. Internationally acclaimed British artist Marc Quinn, known for his striking contemporary sculpture, brings his exhibition Held By Desire to Hong Kong. Including a range of Quinn’s diverse new works, don’t miss this if you’re looking for something unique!

Kicking off
Rugby fans, your time has come! Two of the best rugby clubs in France, the Stade Toulousain and the Racing Metro, will play an exhibition game for The Natixis Rugby Cup at the Aberdeen Stadium right here in Hong Kong! An afternoon of top quality rugby is in-store as the teams boast two All Blacks, three Irish and British Lions, three Springboks and a large number of French, Argentine and Italian internationals on the roster (phew!). As with all things linked to rugby in Hong Kong, the atmosphere should also be immense – so if you’re in the mood for some sport (or rugby-playing eye candy), get your tickets now!

K-pop krazy
K-pop really is taking over the world – and now’s your chance to be a part of this South-Korean music phenomenon. Popular girl group Girls Generation are bringing their Girls & Peace World Tour to Hong Kong… yup, it’s time for K-pop madness! The nine-member group is guaranteed to bring a high-energy performance to our shores, full of highly-choreographed dance numbers, fabulous costumes and dangerously catchy songs – you’ll have learnt a routine before you know it!

Jazz hands
If you’re a finger clickin’, foot tappin’ jazz fan, you’re bound to want to catch the Herbie Hancock Quartet, presented by the Jazz World Series. Herbie Hancock’s unmistakable musical voice has had a profound influence on R&B as well as on electronic and acoustic jazz, making him an icon of modern music – so don’t miss this legendary jazz quartet, which also includes Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, James Genus on bass, and Lionel Loueke on guitar.

Vino anyone?
Those who enjoy a glass of wine will be pleased to know that Wine HK has a brand new wine fair with a huge selection of vino this month! The fair will include sought after wines chosen by an expert panel at hugely discounted prices, the chance to try your favourite tipple (and then have it delivered to your home!) and plenty of ‘wines to watch’ to sample too! This pop-up wine cellar is perfect for the wine connoisseur in you, and don’t worry… they haven’t forgotten the champagne either!

Drift away
If you (or your partner!) reckon you’re a bit of a petrolhead, or if you just fancy some exciting entertainment, head across the pond for the Macau Drift! One of the world’s top drifting teams, Japan’s D1, will be performing a high speed drifting demonstration (that’s expert driving on a curved track, for the uninitiated!) for the first time at The Venetian. So get ready for some fast cars and burning rubber… Vroom, vroom!

Food for good
All you foodies out there are gonna love this brand new dining event, Chi Fan For Charity. With twenty restaurants participating (including some of our favourites like Brickhouse, Chom Chom, Grassroots Pantry and Duddell’s – to name but a few!), this event guarantees some good eats for a good cause. Instead of heading to a massive charity gala dinner, just choose one of these fab restaurants, find ten hungry friends, and get ready for a great dinner – with not some, but ALL of the proceeds from your meal going to theChild Welfare Scheme! Tables have been snapped up at lightening speed so act quick if you wanna snap one up; if you’ve missed your chance but still want to participate, make sure you join in for the after-party instead.

When: 16 NovemberWhere: Various restaurants around Hong Kong; see full list hereHow much: Prices vary; see the website for more information

Night lights
The Hong Kong Youths Arts Foundation’s Standard Chartered Arts in the Park Mardi Gras is growing bigger and bigger every year! Held in Victoria Park, this is a great way to get involved with Hong Kong’s local art scene and makes for a fun day out with street parades, art stalls, dance performances and much more. This year, a special new addition to the festivities is the Night Parade, which involves giant lantern puppets illuminating the streets of Causeway Bay… who wouldn’t want to see such a spectacle beneath Hong Kong’s city lights? Come and show your support for the arts and gaze at these marvellous creations from the professional British artist group, The Lantern Company.

Circles in the sand
If you’re looking for a completely unique show (that might even remind you of those summer days at the beach!) then you might want to check out local, self-taught artist Ma Wing Cheung (Ma Chai) and his brand new incredible sand painting show, Sandvolution! Using music and improvisation, this pioneer of sand-painting art will create some amazing sand stories that push the boundaries of visual art. Don’t miss this impressive, creative individual and his unique talent!

This girl is on fire!
The girl in question is of course Ms. Alicia Keys, with her amazing Set The World On Fire world tour!With fourteen Grammys under her belt and massive hit singles such as Falling, Empire State of Mind and Girl On Fire to sing along to, this is one concert you won’t want to miss. If you can still manage to grab some tickets (they’re selling out fast), the talented (and gorgeous!) musician, songwriter and producer will be hitting the Venetian in Macau for two nights only. Why not make it a weekend away?

Margaritas & Mardi Gras
Get ready for carnival fever in LKF! Yep, it’s time for the annual Lan Kwai Fong Carnival, one of the largest street parades here in the ‘Kong, with live shows, performances, interactive games, exotic costumes, international food and of course, lots of drinks! Party from day to night at this action-packed, fun-filled event that has that Mardi Gras feel; this is sure to be a wild (and long!) day out so make sure you pace yourselves on those cocktails, ladies!

Female warrior power!The Legend of Mulan hits the stage! Choreographed and directed by Yang Yuntao, this stunning dance performance by the Hong Kong Dance Company is packed full of drama. Portraying China’s legendary woman warrior, Mulan (which we’ll admit we’re more familiar with from the Disney film…!), this production couldn’t be more fitting for a girl’s night out. Get in touch with your inner feminist as you watch this story about strength, courage and honour following a super strong female character. Let’s go, girls!

Sun, sea & Michelin stars!
If you think you’ve perfected the art of long leisurely lunches, then Discovery Bay’s Longest Lunch on the Beach is the perfect way for you to spend the day! Head over to this chilled out island for a day of sun, sand, sea and Michelin-starred food. This gastronomic feast will consist of a Mediterranean meal from celebrity chef Harlan Goldstein, live entertainment and free-flowing wine and champagne – all in a relaxed al fresco setting. Book your tickets now as places are limited!

Spending on the spectacular
If art is your thing and you’re willing to spend a hefty amount of cash, then check out Christie’s 20th Century and Asian Contemporary Art Sales this month. Just before the festive season, it might be worth making that one big purchase that will last a lifetime; with work from the likes of Georgette Chen, Wang Yidong and Tang Zhi Gang, this is one autumn auction that serious art lovers won’t want to miss.

Gone with the wind
Hong Kong is getting ever more popular for watersports, seeing as we are surrounded by the sea! If you’re into windsurfing, or just fancy a day out enjoying the non-city vibes of Hong Kong, then be sure to head out to Stanley for the Asian Windsurfing Championships. Watch the competitors glide across the water on a (hopefully!) sunny day and soak up the south side of the island… who knows, you might be inspired to give it a go!

Festival fever
A music festival? In Hong Kong? That’s right – Hong Kong’s premier outdoor music and arts festival, Clockenflap, is back with a bang! If you’re into your music, don’t miss this chance to see some internationally acclaimed bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Two Door Cinema Club and 2ManyDJs (just to name a few) in this amazing harbourside location. There will also be some cool art and film exhibitions, a silent disco, pop-up food stalls and more… so don your flower headbands and get into the festival spirit!

Voice of an angel
International classical singer favourite, Hayley Westenra, will make her Hong Kong premiere at the end of the month – just in time for the festive season! Known for her angelic, pitch-perfect voice, if you’re in the mood to listen to some sweet vocals, this is the concert to check out. The New Zealand beauty has the world’s fastest selling international debut for a classical album; if her music is good enough for Kate and Will’s royal wedding, it’s good enough for us!

Venus was her name…
Art lovers, you’ll be super excited to learn that Sandro Botticelli’s iconic Italian masterpiece Venusis being exhibited for the first time ever in Hong Kong! Thanks to The Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau and the Italian Cultural Institute, this ‘national treasure’ of Italy will be gracing The University of Hong Kong. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gaze upon this stunning Renaissance work of art that dates back to 1482!